Jim Courier says that Novak Djokovic has accepted an apology from broadcaster Channel Nine, following comments made towards the Serbian and his fans.
Djokovic had been gesturing towards an at times rowdy crowd during his round of 16 win over Jiri Lehecka, and refused to take part in the customary on-court interview with Courier.
He later clarified his position both in the press conference and on social media, revealing that he had taken umbrage at comments made by a presenter on Channel Nine.
“[A] couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for [the] official broadcaster… made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic explained.
“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology.”
Djokovic added that “hopefully the situation will change by the next match,” and, according to Courier, it has.
Courier, speaking on Eurosport, said: “There were some statements made by someone working for Channel Nine that offended Novak, and he was so offended by it he refused to do interviews with Channel Nine.
Watch as Djokovic speaks to tournament director after skipping post-match interview
Video credit: Eurosport
“He mistakenly thought I was working for Channel Nine on the court… But I was actually representing the tournament, when I go on court to do the interviews that’s not a Channel Nine job.
“So he decided he didn’t want to do that, no offence from me, I understood that immediately on the court. Now we all know why.
“He wanted a public apology, that has now been offered publicly by the person in question and Novak has said that he accepts that apology and is ready to move on.”
Djokovic will resume his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals in Melbourne, but Courier does not believe the furore around the incident will hamper Djokovic.
“It’s been a turbulent 24 hours or so, but I think things should be calm for that amazing match that’s coming up tomorrow,” he added.
Tim Henman agreed, even going so far as to say the adversity may well benefit Djokovic, with the duo meeting in a Slam on hard courts for the first time.
“He has always stood up for his beliefs and I think we respect that. And now, there’s always been a little bit of that – when you are looking for that confrontation, Novak plays better,” Henman said.
“He’s said his piece, the apology I think has been accepted and now we can really focus on what is such an exciting quarter-final against Alcaraz.
“I certainly know what I want to focus on and that’s the tennis, as they are both playing great.”
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